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Eva Ibbotson

The Secret Countess

Originally published as The Countess Below Stairs, The Secret Countess tells the story of a young Russian countess, Anna.

After the Russian Revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna has no choice but to flee to England, penniless. Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination.

Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties - not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unravelling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée. . . .